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• The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) plans to lease commercial spaces at 251 bus depots across the state to generate an estimated 600 crore in annual revenue.
• The initiative aims to monetise underutilised land through long-term commercial development while retaining ownership of depot properties and ensuring uninterrupted bus operations.
• The commercial developments are expected to include retail outlets, office spaces, shopping complexes, hotels and other mixed-use facilities, depending on the location and land potential.
• The revenue generated is expected to strengthen MSRTC's financial position, support fleet modernisation and improve passenger amenities across the state's public transport network.
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is set to monetise its land assets by leasing commercial spaces at 251 bus depots across the state, a move expected to generate nearly INR 600 crore in annual revenue. The initiative is part of the transport undertaking's strategy to strengthen its finances while unlocking the commercial potential of its extensive real estate portfolio.
According to officials, the corporation will lease surplus land and airspace at selected depots to private developers for commercial use without transferring ownership of the properties. Bus operations at the depots will continue as usual, with commercial activities planned in a manner that does not interfere with passenger services.
The redevelopment is expected to include a mix of retail establishments, office spaces, shopping complexes, hotels, food courts and other commercial facilities, depending on the size, location and development potential of individual depots. The corporation intends to adopt a long-term lease model that provides a steady stream of recurring revenue while preserving its ownership rights over the land.
The plan forms part of MSRTC's broader efforts to improve its financial sustainability. The corporation has been exploring alternative revenue sources amid rising operational costs and increasing investment requirements for fleet expansion, infrastructure upgrades and passenger service improvements. Income generated through the leasing programme is expected to support these initiatives while reducing financial dependence on government assistance.
Several bus depots are located in prime urban and semi-urban areas, making them attractive for commercial development. Officials believe that leveraging these strategically located land parcels will not only create a stable non-fare revenue stream but also contribute to urban redevelopment by introducing modern commercial infrastructure alongside transport hubs.
The corporation is expected to implement the project in phases after completing land identification, feasibility assessments and the bidding process. Developers will be selected through a transparent tendering mechanism, with lease agreements incorporating safeguards to protect MSRTC's operational requirements.
The initiative reflects a growing trend among public transport agencies to monetise land assets for financial resilience. By transforming underutilised depot spaces into mixed-use commercial destinations, MSRTC aims to create a sustainable revenue model that supports long-term improvements in public transport infrastructure while maintaining efficient bus services across Maharashtra.
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